Dear LAPS Parents and Families,
Here is an update for Monday, March 23.
- The health and safety of our staff and families comes first.
- In a press conference earlier today, the Governor stated:
- “It is possible that the school closure will be extended;” the return date for students and teachers is currently listed as Monday April 6.
- Beginning tomorrow, spas, gyms, and movie theaters must close until April 10.
- Hotels are limited to 50% occupancy.
- Eateries are limited to take-out only.
- Here is the official order: COVID-19 DOH Order 3-23-2020.pdf
- Anyone who travels outside of New Mexico is asked to self-quarantine for 14 days, upon return to New Mexico.
While students are on Spring Break, we are developing a plan to expand age-appropriate learning activities, provide needed computing devices and to check-in with students. We will:
- Provide meaningful learning experiences that connect to students’ home lives, interests, and identities;
- Leverage the assets of home-based learning, rather than trying to recreate school; and
- Support learning that is relevant to our students with resources that are available at home and with meaningful family engagement, when possible.
We are using telephone calls and email surveys to identify students who do not have internet connectivity. If you do not have internet access in your home, please call 505-663-2227. Leave your name, your student’s name, and the best number to reach you.
- Students without an internet connection or a computing device will be contacted with offers of assistance.
- Our goal is equity for all students.
It looks like the phrase “social distancing” may be causing confusion. While following CDC guidance, we are asking for physical distancing balanced with socially connecting.
In these unsettling times, here are some suggested resources with activities for managing stress and anxiety.
- For families and children:
https://www.susankaisergreenland.com/busy-families
- Apps for children and youth:
https://www.stopbreathethink.com/kids/
https://www.stopbreathethink.com/
https://www.smilingmind.com.au/
- For adults wanting to learn/ practice mindfulness, here are a few good apps:
- For parents – lots of resources on many topics and age groups that emphasize the importance of co-regulation (this is the website of the author of the book we are studying in parent book groups – Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids):
Click here for a three-minute broadcast and comic from National Public Radio: exploring coronavirus. NPR education reporter Cory Turner asked experts what kids might want to know about coronavirus.
State phone numbers:
- Health Hotline: 1-855-600-3453, cv.nmhealth.org
- Other Information: 1-833-551-0581, newmexico.gov
At LAPS, we are supporting each other and problem solving together, one day at a time. I appreciate all the extra effort from our wonderful parents. After all, nobody has done this before.